Detroit Lions Secure Center Cade Mays in Free Agency

The Detroit Lions have addressed a key necessitate in free agency, signing center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract, according to reports confirmed on March 9, 2026.

Filling a Void at Center

Mays, 26, joins the Lions after four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He took over the Panthers’ starting center role in Week 3 of the 2024 season following an injury to Austin Corbett and established himself as a reliable player at the position. He was ranked No. 38 on The Athletic’s top 150 free agent list [Source: The Athletic].

The signing comes after the unexpected retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow last June, leaving a significant hole in the Lions’ offensive line. The Lions released Graham Glasgow prior to free agency to create cap space [Source: The Detroit News].

Mays’ Profile and Fit

At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Mays is described as a “big, physical, mauling” center, aligning with the style the Lions prefer on their offensive line [Source: The Athletic]. He was originally a sixth-round pick by the Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft and has started 27 games over his career, including 12 in 2025.

In 726 snaps during the 2025 season, Mays did not allow a single sack and achieved a 94.3% run block win rate, ranking among the top 20 centers in the league [Source: Lions Wire].

Impact on the Lions’ Offensive Line

Mays is expected to immediately step into the starting center position (C1) for the Lions. This move allows second-year right guard Tate Ratledge to remain at his natural position. The Lions’ offensive line still has some positions to finalize, but at least three spots – center, right guard, and the tackle positions – are now settled [Source: The Athletic].

Contract Details

The contract is valued at $25 million over three years, with $14 million guaranteed [Source: Lions Wire].

Other Lions Free Agency Moves

In addition to signing Mays, the Lions have seen linebacker Alex Anzalone depart to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive back Amik Robertson sign with the Washington Commanders.